Trainee journalist at Cardiff JOMEC, English & German graduate from the University of Exeter, former editor of Exeposé student newspaper and winner of 'Best Interview' at the 2017 Student Publication Association national awards.

Victims of this kind of crime are unlikely to get their valuables back – with most only realizing long after the theft itself that their items are gone.

Distracting their victims

Thieves often work in groups of between three and six, police explained.

“One member of the group keeps a lookout and another distracts the victim, while a third member carries out the robbery,” a spokesperson described.

Pickpockets often have a range of distraction maneuvers at their fingertips, police said.

One of these sees a group member “accidentally” spilling a drink on an intended victim. While the victim is distracted and being helped to clean up, another group member approaches and carries out the theft.

In other cases, a group member will feign drunkenness, and stagger towards a traveler. While the victim is distracted, they are robbed by an accomplice.

Police are warning travellers to avoid careless behaviour in pickpocketing hotspots – for example, leaving bags unattended, or carrying an open bag with phone and wallet clearly visible and accessible.